From Farm to Forest: Exploring Edible Mushrooms

Discover the fascinating world of edible mushrooms, from urban farms to woodland habitats. This beginner-friendly class introduces oyster, shiitake, and lion’s mane, as well as other common species, highlighting their culinary qualities and techniques growers use to cultivate them. Learn basic mushroom biology, explore growing methods that bring them to life, and discover how fungi can complement our daily food and nutrition. We’ll also discuss responsible wild mushroom foraging and why expert identification is essential before eating any wild find. No previous mushroom or gardening experience is needed. Whether it’s food, medicine, bioremediation, or the very important role mushrooms play in the history of human culture, we will collectively celebrate in the pursuit of engaging with the fantastic fungal world around us! We will have mushroom specimens to discuss, cooking techniques, and a handout with recipe ideas that you can create at home. Bring your fascination, your passion, and your inquisitiveness, and join us for an amazing evening of fungi!

About the Instructor: Matt Greer has a B.S. degree in Botany from Colorado State University, with a focus on Mycology. His career has included managing specialty mushroom farms, working as a mycological consultant in the PNW, and working for many years as a botanist in the environmental field, in both government and private industry. Since 2013, Matt has been a professional brewer in Houston.

NOTE: This class is hosted at Finca Tres Robles urban farm located at 5715 Canal St, Houston, TX 77011 just around the corner from TXRX. Please email classes@smallplaces.org with any questions.

At Finca Tres Robles, we strive to make our classes accessible to all who wish to participate and provide scholarships to help make that possible. If you would like to attend this class but may not be in a financial position to pay the cost, please complete our Class Scholarship Application and a Finca Tres Robles staff member will be in contact with you for next steps.

Weather Cancellation Policy: Classes may be cancelled by Finca Tres Robles in the case of severe weather; however classes will not automatically be cancelled due to rain. Please stay in contact with farm staff if concerned about weather. Classes will be rescheduled as necessary.